Interesting Find on Rich Ranch

We had a most interesting walk last week.

As usual we find something new and interesting out in the bush but this time it was something of real interest that warranted a Google search and we still haven't come to the bottom of this mystery. 

Talana Bottle dating back to 1952

In between some rocks it looked like a shelter was built many years ago. We were brave enough to crawl into the shelter because it is cold at the moment and snakes like to bask in the sun in winter. We regularly see them on the rocks during the day. 

We found some glass and a tin that must have been used by someone in the shelter. The glass has the trade name "Talana" and date (1952) and according to the Google search there is even a "Talana Museum".

The Zulu name "Talana" meaning "the shelf where precious items are stored"

Nestled at the base of Talana Hill the museum is set in a 20 acre heritage park.

It is situated just outside the town of Dundee, Kwa Zulu Natal - South Africa, and are within short driving distances of some of the most famous battlefields in the country; Blood River, Rorkes Drift, Fugitives Drift, Isandlwana, Elandslaagte, Spioenkop, Colenso and the Siege of Ladysmith. 

Glass has been manufactured in this valley since the end of the 19^th century. Although the factory no longer exists, the museum is home to a magnificent collection of glass used and manufactured in South Africa.

Plough Blade with Insignia

The earliest piece of glass on display is part of a Roman phial (possibly for perfume) from Jerusalem and the newest an art glass platter by South African glass artist Liz Lacey. 

We also found part of an old plough blade but I have not been able to find the origin or history of this yet. The insignia is an eagle or phoenix with 75 which could be a date and a tick, much the same as Nike. 

Wouldn't it be cool if great discussions about starting the company "Nike" took place in these shelters here. Got to use the imagination sometimes.